With only a few days remaining before schools reopen, the Senqunyane community in the foothills of Mosalemane Constituency, Berea District, is expressing growing concern about the safety of their children. Local residents fear that their children will face significant challenges crossing rivers to access primary schools, including Maime and Ha-Matlali, especially with above-normal rainfall predicted for the coming season.
In an interview with the community, Senqunyane Community Councilor Mr. Matee Thamae highlighted the ongoing accessibility issues in the area. According to Mr. Thamae, the community has long struggled with limited infrastructure, and the situation is now more urgent as the school opening approaches. The rivers, which children must cross to get to school, pose a serious risk, particularly during the rainy season when water levels rise, making the journey treacherous.
Councilor Thamae expressed his concerns, stating that the community is unsure of how to proceed, especially with weather forecasts predicting more rain than usual. “We are worried about our children’s safety. With the rivers likely to swell, how will our children cross to get to school? This is a major concern for all of us,” Thamae said.
The situation has left parents and educators alike apprehensive, as they are uncertain whether children will be able to safely attend school during the upcoming months. Many in the community are hoping that authorities will take urgent action to address the infrastructure challenges, either by improving existing river crossings or by implementing other measures to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.
As the school year begins, the Senqunyane community remains hopeful that solutions will be found to ensure their children can attend school safely and without undue hardship. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for infrastructure development in rural areas to support education and ensure the well-being of students.
